Criminal Defence and Police Investigations

We are recognised as the leading criminal defence firm in the UK.  We represent clients at police station interviews through to proceedings at the Magistrates’ and Crown Court.  Our reputation is based on over 80 years of discreetly yet fearlessly providing the highest quality legal advice and representation to our clients.

 

We represent a wide range of clients, including young people, professionals and well-known individuals in government, sports, media, entertainment and financial industries, for whom a criminal investigation can have devastating reputational, personal, financial and professional consequences. We work closely with our reputation and media lawyers to provide a seamless comprehensive service.

Accused of a criminal offence

Contacting us as soon as you become aware of a police investigation increases the opportunity to resolve the matter quickly and discreetly.  We will seek to avoid an arrest and protect you from the resulting potentially damaging consequences, such as oppressive bail conditions and restriction on your current or future travel.

We know that the police interview is often the most significant aspect of a criminal case.  Getting the right advice at this stage is crucial.  Our experienced police station advisers will carefully guide you through this challenging process.

For cases that go to court, we examine every detail to ensure the best possible outcome.  Working alongside barristers and expert witnesses, we ensure that every legal or evidential point is carefully considered. This approach has seen our clients enjoy a high acquittal rate. Where a conviction cannot be avoided, we ensure that mitigation is advanced to maximise the chances of the most lenient sentence.

Kingsley Napley is ranked in Band 1 for Crime by both Chambers  and Partners and Legal 500.

"The ‘first-rate’ team at Kingsley Napley LLP is ‘efficient, strategic, committed and able to handle the most complex of criminal cases as well as more general crime cases’. It advises corporations and individuals on sexual offences, violent crimes, drug offences, firearms offences, extradition and high-profile matters with an international element."

Legal 500 UK 2019 

"They very much embrace the need to look at the whole situation; they look at the media exposure - for people in the public eye and for a particular type of high net worth individual, that's very important and I've seen them handle that side of things very well. They're one of those few firms that would give clients a genuine round-the-clock service, seven days a week"

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018

Examples of recent work

Examples of work and clients our criminal litigation lawyers have include representing:

• High profile individuals relating to historic sex offences and #MeToo allegations
• An individual facing #MeToo allegations and becoming a victim of blackmail
• A high profile individual facing potential criminal liability in the UK for US data breaches
• A high profile television personality charged with a driving offence
• An individual prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving
• An individual subject to police investigation relating to harassment causing psychological injuries
• An internationally-recognised artist investigated for domestic assault
• An individual charged with and investigated for conspiracy of rape
• A partner in an international law firm facing accusations of sexual misconduct in the workplace
• A high-profile professional sportsperson for a speeding offence
• A youth charged with attempted murder while under the influence of drugs
• An individual convicted of rape in an appeal against conviction based on disclosure issues

 

WHAT CLIENTS AND DIRECTORIES HAVE SAID

A dynamic team that shows good attention to detail."

Chambers UK 2021

Kingsley Napley has real strength and expertise at all levels of the crime group. The team is hard-working, focused on getting results and yet maintains the human touch."

Legal 500 UK 2020

The crime department is the best I have ever worked with. They are unsurpassed in the way they work as a team on their cases - it's a very well-drilled, slick operation."

Chambers UK 2020

The very strong team acts for individuals and corporations in cases concerning driving offences, extradition, sexual offences, fraud and matters with international elements."

Legal 500 UK 2020

They are able to draw on expertise across the firm to provide a seamless service - if you are facing criminal allegations they can also handle the media, as well as any employment issues or regulatory proceedings that may arise."

Chambers UK 2020

They have a stellar reputation but they are also approachable and a pleasure to work with. They are very sensible and give good advice to both counsel and clients."

Chambers and Partners, 2019

Leading criminal team that demonstrates impressive strength in depth across a broad range of cases. Regularly acts on high-profile cases involving well-known public figures. Highly recommended for its handling of complex murder charges and historic sexual abuse investigations."

Chambers UK 2019, A Client's guide to the UK Legal Profession

They stand out because of their ability to stop a case before it gets started. Their commitment, preparation and tenacity set them apart. They are a strong firm. Their various departments work in harmony and deliver the same high-quality work."

Chambers UK 2018, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession

They pick up some fantastic work, they have some fantastic clients and they have a skill of trying to get rid of matters before they go too far."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018

They are determined to do the best for their clients at all times and leave absolutely no stone unturned. It is a brilliant defence frm."

Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession

"They have a very sophisticated high net worth practice and a real sensitivity to the kind of issues that high net worth individuals face."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018

Their reputation as being the pre-eminent solicitors in this market is deserved. They are justifiably instructed in infamous, heavyweight cases and I can't imagine that anyone is ever dissatisfied with the service they receive."

Chambers UK, 2017

The crime team is first-rate. They are dedicated, hard working and tireless in their preparations of cases."

Chambers UK, 2017

First-class firm in terms of client care, as well as its thorough and meticulous approach to case preparation, both at pre-charge stage and at trial."

Legal 500 UK, 2017

"It is an excellent firm - the level of preparation for cases is just fantastic."                           

Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession

"John Harding and David Sleight lead the ‘top-flight’ team at Kingsley Napley LLP...Sandra Paul also comes highly recommended ."

Legal 500

''...Kingsley Napley LLP’s ‘high-end practice’ is part of the firm’s criminal law team, and able to draw on this expertise to handle enforcement actions for its individual and growing corporate client base...''

Legal 500 UK

"Kingsley Napley is pre-eminent at what it does: high-end, complex criminal work for high-profile individuals."

Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession

"One of the most highly regarded criminal defence firms, noted for its high-profile mandates from media organisations and sports professionals."

Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession

 

Further information

If you are accused of a criminal offence or you have any questions, please contact a member of our criminal litigation team or call us on 020 7814 1200 to speak with us in confidence.